Wax and method of wax application

ABSTRACT

A spray wax concentrate adapted to be applied in a highly diluted state in an aqueous spray to a surface, such as a vehicle surface, in the hot sun comprising about 2 to 10 wt. % of a fine polishing powder, of about 10 to about 40 wt. % of mineral spirits, of about 0.5 to about 3 wt. % of a dimethyl silicone fluid polymer, from about 0.5 to about 1.75 wt. % of an alkanolamide surface-active agent; from about 1 to about 1.75 wt. % of a higher alkyl amino functional group substituted dimethyl silicone polymer wax, and the balance, water, to obtain a total of 100 wt. %. The spray wax concentrate is preferably applied as pressurized, turbulent aqueous spray containing about 1 part by volume of the spray wax concentrate and about 40 to about 100 parts by volume of water.

Applicant claims the benefit of prior filed co-pending ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/076,103 for Improved Wax and Method ofWax Application filed on Feb. 27, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A wax/polish for automobiles, other vehicles, windows, and likesurfaces, and methods of applying the wax/polish.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Waxes and polishes have been used for at least several hundred years forwaxing and polishing surfaces such as floors, windows, furniture, andvehicle surfaces. Originally, most waxes were paste waxes which requiredthat the surface first be cleaned of all dirt and oxidation. The wax isthen applied by hand or with a buffering-like device to rub the wax intothe surface. The rubbing or buffing can cause swirling on the surface.The wax is allowed to dry and then it is rubbed or buffed off thesurface. Preferably, the waxing is done on a clean, cool surface and notin direct sunlight. This application process is still used to someextent and is very labor-intensive and requires physical strength eitherto rub the wax on and buff it off, either by hand or with a mechanicalbuffing machine.

In the 1950's, liquid waxes became available. Liquid waxes are easier toapply than paste wax since they can be poured onto an applicator, suchas a cloth, sponge, reinforced paper, or other type of applicator, andthen rubbed or buffed onto the surface. The rubbing can leave swirlingon the surface. The wax is allowed to dry and then it is rubbed orbuffed off. Liquid waxes are similarly applied. The liquid waxes arepreferably applied to a clean, cool surface and the waxing is not donein direct sunlight. In the 1970's, spray devices became available andwaxes and polishes were developed that could be sprayed onto thesurface. One type of device was the finger trigger sprayer commonly usedfor household cleaners and the like. The sprayer has a pump actuated bythe finger which draws fluid up from a reservoir and sprays the fluidout of a nozzle. Waxes and polishes applied by this method have many ofthe characteristics of liquid wax and polish. These types of applicatorshave not been very popular because the sprayers only spray a limitedamount of fluid for each finger pull of the sprayer and accordingly, ittakes time to spray large surface areas such as a car, airplane, orother large vehicle. In addition, it is very tiring and can be painfulto actuate the finger trigger sprayer for long periods of time. The waxor polish is preferably applied to a clean, cool surface and not indirect sunlight. Once the wax is sprayed on the surface, it is rubbedonto the surface to cover the surface and allowed to dry. The rubbingcan leave swirls on the surface. After it is dried, it is rubbed off orbuffed off, as with paste wax and liquid wax. Polishes normally do nothave to be buffed.

A recent variation of the liquid wax is the wipe-on and hose-off wax.This wax is sprayed on the surface and rubbed in, or poured onto anapplicator or directly onto the surface and rubbed into the surface. Therubbing can leave swirls on the surface. Once the wax is dry, it ishosed off with a water spray from a garden hose. Following removal ofthe wax with the hose spray, the vehicle has to be dried off. With thismethod of waxing, the hosing-off step does not guarantee that all thewax residue will be removed from the vehicle. It has been found that theuser of the wax normally has to go back over the vehicle with a waterspray after drying it to remove residual wax and then dry the surfaceagain.

When applied to a hot surface, wax normally forms a hard coating or scumthat adheres to the surface. Frequently, this coating or scum cannot beremoved by rubbing or buffing. Frequently, these areas have to beremoved by re-waxing, letting the application of fresh wax dry, thenrubbing or buffing off the applied wax. It is for this reason thatwaxing, such as an automobile or other vehicle surface, is not done on ahot surface or under the sun.

The demarcation between a wax and polish is not a bright line. Forpurposes of this invention, the term "wax" will include both wax andpolish.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The wax composition of the present invention has been termed a "spraywax concentrate" and is sometimes referred to as a spray wax andcomprises a water base or carrier incorporating a surfactant, wax,silicone fluid, mineral spirits, and a mild inorganic polishing agent.

The spray wax of the present invention, when applied to a surface, suchas a vehicle surface or glass surface, does not bead. The spray wasforms a sheet or film of liquid which separates into an organic phaseand an aqueous phase. The bulk of active organic ingredients report tothe organic phase which adheres to the surface, whether the surface ishorizontal or vertical. The fine polishing powder reports to bothphases. The aqueous phase runs off the surface as a sheet leaving theorganic phase adhering to the surface as a relatively continuous film.The organic phase, almost immediately upon application and clearly afterseparation of the aqueous phase, forms a white haze. The formation ofthe white haze appears to be independent of the drying of the organicphase. The white haze becomes more pronounced as the organic phasedries. Surprisingly, the hazy organic phase may be wiped off a minute ortwo after application and before it has dried. In fact, the surfaceshould be fully wiped while still "wet" to ensure that the entiresurface has been contacted or treated with the organic phase. Then thesurface, which may or may not be dry to the touch, is wiped clean of thehazy film. When the hazy film has been wiped off the surface, the waxingis complete. Since the applied wax is not rubbed in, no swirl marks arecreated on the surface. On the average, the entire operation, from thestep of wetting the surface with water to completion of the wiping-offstep, for a vehicle, takes about ten minutes; however, it can take aslittle as two and one-half minutes.

The spay wax can be applied to windows as an aqueous spray to clean thewindows. The finish on the windows so treated is superior to that ofwindows cleaned, polished and/or waxed with conventional window andglass cleaning, polishing, and/or waxing compositions. The spray waxwill not smear the windows.

The spray wax can be applied on a hot surface, in the sun, on a wetsurface, in the rain, on a cool day, or at night. Preferably, the spraywax is applied as an aqueous spray prepared from the spray waxconcentrate and water on a hot or warm surface in the sun.

The spray wax concentrate of the present invention comprises a percentby weight (wt. %) from about 2 to 10 wt. % of a fine polishing powder;from about 10 to about 40 wt. % of mineral spirits; from about 0.5 to3.0 wt. % of dimethyl silicone fluid polymer; 0.5 to 1.25 wt. % ofalkanolamide surface-active agent; 1.0 to 1.75 wt. % of a higher alkylamino functional group substituted dimethyl silicone polymer; and thebalance water to obtain a total of 100 wt. %. Optionally, the spray waxcan contain preservatives, colorant and/or fragrances.

The spray wax applied as an aqueous spray will not harm rubber, vinyland other plastics and polymers.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spray waxconcentrate, comprises about 4 wt. % anhydrous aluminum silicate; about24 wt. % of mineral spirits; about 1.25 wt. % of a dimethyl siliconefluid polymer having a viscosity of about 350 c.s.(centistokes); about.8 wt. % of a non-ionic alkanolamide surfactant agent; about 1.3 wt. %of a higher alkyl-substituted amino functional group substituteddimethyl silicone; 0.005 wt. % of a preservative and about 68.6 wt. %water.

The spray wax concentrate can be applied with or without water. However,in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the spray wax is appliedwith water as an aqueous spray. The wax can be mixed with water in abucket and applied with a rag. Preferably, the wax is applied with aventuri-type sprayer (also called an aspiration-type sprayer) usingwater as the transportation medium to draw the wax from a reservoir intoa venturi tube and into the water stream to form an emulsion, i.e., theaqueous spray.

Venturi-type sprayers have been around ever since the advent of thegarden hose. These sprayers use the Bernoulli principle to draw acomposition through a straw from a reservoir and then inject it into awater stream to be sprayed out. They have been used commonly as gardensprayers for spraying insecticides, nutrients and the like. The sprayeris normally comprised of a reservoir containing a venturi draw tubegoing to the bottom of the reservoir. The spray element or nozzleincreases the velocity of the water stream over a venturi hole in whichthe venturi exits. The increased velocity of the water stream places apartial vacuum at the venturi hole drawing up fluid from the reservoirand through the venturi straw. The fluid exits the venturi hole andenters the water stream where it is intimately mixed in the highlyagitated, highly turbulent water stream. Some venturi-type sprayers havea closed system wherein the water is passed through a constriction atthe area where the venturi hose is located. Other venturi-type sprayerseject the water as a spray over the venturi hole from a nozzle. A shortdownstream from the nozzle, the spray crosses over the venturi hole tocreate the partial vacuum and draw the composition from the reservoir.The venturi-type sprayers are preferred because they keep the mixingratio of the spray wax concentrate and water, in the water stream,relatively constant.

The spray wax concentrate is intimately mixed in the turbulent waterstream or spray of the sprayer to form a fine emulsion of an aqueousphase and organic phase, which coats the surface when the spray from thesprayer hits the surface. The dimethyl silicone fluid polymer,alkanolamide surface-active agent, and the higher alkyl and aminofunctional groups substituted dimethyl silicone polymer, and mineralspirits report primarily to the organic phase, where the mineral spiritsfunction as a carrier. The fine polishing powder, e.g., anhydrousaluminum silicate powder, is distributed to both the aqueous phase andthe non-aqueous phase. On application to the surface, the water phaseseparates from the non-aqueous or organic phase which contains thedimethyl silicone fluid polymer, a portion of the anhydrous aluminumsilicate powder, mineral spirits, and the higher alkyl-substituted aminofunctional group dimethyl silicone polymer. The bulk of the water sheetsoff the surface leaving the non-aqueous or organic phase containing thefine polishing powder on the surface. The remaining material on thesurface is allowed to either fully dry or (preferably) partially dry andthen is wiped to leave a high gloss wax finish on the surface. Thewiping acts as a polishing step, as well as a cleaning step.

Preferably, the surface is cleaned prior to the application of the spraywax. The cleaned surface can be wet when the wax is applied. The surfacecan optionally be prewetted with water. The prewetting with a waterspray moistens and removes some of the dirt and dust on the surface andmakes the adhering dirt more amenable to being removed with thecomponents of the spray wax from the surface. Unexpectedly, the wax canbe sprayed on a surface in the rain and the wax composition adheres tothe surface, even vertical surfaces.

Using a water stream as the transportation medium for the spray wax ontoa surface, such as a car surface, has several benefits. The wax can bequickly applied. The water flowing through a venturi-type sprayer isadjusted to between 3 to 5 gallons per minute although a lower or higherwater flow rate can be used. Spray wax is drawn from the reservoir intothe water stream at a ratio of about 20 to 200 parts by volume water toabout 1 part by volume spray wax, preferably about 45 to 60 parts byvolume water to about 1 part by volume spray wax. The application of thespray wax with the venturi-type sprayer has been found to remove dustand dirt from the surface. This saves a considerable amount of time.

The spray wax can also be applied by mixing the spray wax with water ina bucket and applying the mixture to the surface using an applicator,such as a sponge, chamois, towel, or the like. The spray wax is atwo-phase system comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase. Theanhydrous aluminum silicate powder constitutes a solid phase. However,when the spray wax concentrate and water are sufficiently agitated, theanhydrous aluminum silicate powder is easily dispersed between theorganic phase and the aqueous phase.

The phases separate with time. This phase separation is even faster whenthe spray wax is diluted with water. It has been found that when thespray wax is to be applied by hand from a spray wax-water mixture in abucket, the ratio of spray wax to water be not less than 7 parts waterby volume to 1 part spray wax by volume (also called "spray waxconcentrate"). This dilution does not prevent separation but it slowsits rate. When applying the spray wax in a water mixture by suchapplication, the mixture of water and spray wax must be frequentlyagitated to disperse the organic phase throughout the water. Theapplicator will absorb some of the organic phase and some of the aqueousphase. Application of the wet applicator onto the surface remixes theorganic phase into the aqueous phase to give a relatively uniformapplication of the spray wax to the surface. This method of applicationprovides that the dirt and dust on the surface are rubbed and scrubbedaway. The alkanolamide surface-active agent and the mineral spiritsgreatly aid in the cleaning of the surface while simultaneously waxingthe surface.

Using the venturi-type sprayer to apply the spray wax in the waterstream to the surface is the preferred method of application. Thehigh-speed, turbulent water stream picks up the small amount of spraywax (20 to 200 parts by volume water to 1 part by volume spray wax),draws it into the stream from the venturi to break up the organic phaseinto very small droplets which are relatively evenly distributed throughthe water stream. Because the wax stream or spray hits the surface in arelatively short period of time (less than a second), uniformdistribution of the organic phase in the aqueous phase remains intact.Once the aqueous phase and wax phase come in contact with the surface ata relatively high velocity, the aqueous phase and organic phase coat thesurface with the organic phase displacing the aqueous phase and coatingthe surface, permitting the aqueous phase to coalesce and sheet off thecar, leaving the organic phase coating the surface of the car.

The spray wax is specifically formulated to be thin enough, i.e., have alow enough viscosity, to be drawn through the venturi straw or tube fromthe reservoir of the venturi-type sprayer and to be drawn into the waterstream. The viscosity is also adjusted so that the organic phase iseasily dispersed into fine droplets of organic phase in the waterstream. This ensures that the surface of the car is evenly coated withfine droplets of the organic phase which carry the wax, mineral spiritsand the like.

Preferably, the spray wax is applied upon a warm surface, even a hotsurface, and in the sun. The heat of a warm or hot surface and the heatfrom the sun dry the spray wax on the surface quickly and permit thesurface to be wiped or rubbed down shortly after application, shorteningthe entire waxing and cleaning process. For some reason, the hot surfaceand/or the heat of the sun does not cause the spray wax to form acoating or cake on the surface, as it does with conventional waxes,which is very difficult, if not sometimes almost impossible, to removewithout using a polishing or rubbing compound or more conventional wax.

The spray wax concentrate can be applied directly to the surface of acar to remove dust, dirt, and scum. In this application, the spray waxconcentrate is applied directly to an applicator or sprayed onto thesurface with a sprayer, such as a finger trigger-type sprayer. The spraywax is particularly effective in this mode for removing organic scum onthe cars, such as tar deposits, oil deposits and the like. The wax isapplied directly to the organic scum and then wiped off after a fewseconds. For more difficult removal of dirt and scum, the spray wax canbe allowed to remain on the scum or dirt for up to a minute beforewiping off. It is believed that the mineral spirits in the concentratesoften the organic scum or dirt, permitting the aqueous phase of thespray wax concentrate with the surface-active agent to function as adetergent or soap to remove the organic scum and dirt deposit from thesurface.

The present invention is also directed to a method of waxing a car byspraying an emulsion of an organic phase and aqueous phase onto a warmsurface and allowing the applied emulsion to at least partially dry, andthen wiping off the applied emulsion to yield a waxed surface, theemulsion formed by combining 1 part of a spray wax concentrate by volumewith about 20 to about 200 parts by volume water. Lower ratios can beused but to no advantage. Higher ratios may be operational but have notbeen tested.

In the preferred embodiment of the above method, the surface isprewetted with a water spray to rinse off dust and dirt from thesurface. Optionally, the surface may be washed with an aqueous soap ordetergent solution and rinsed off with water prior to application of theemulsion.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a spray for waxing asurface is created which comprises an organic phase and an aqueousphase, the spray emulsion is created by drawing the spray waxconcentrate into a spray of water by a venturi action at a rate of about1 part by volume spray wax concentrate to 20 to 200 parts by volume ofwater, by formulation of the concentrate as described herein.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a spray forwaxing a surface comprising an emulsion of an organic phase and aqueousphase is created by drawing a spray wax concentrate by venturi actioninto a stream of water to form the emulsion of the organic phase andaqueous phase, propelling the emulsion through a nozzle to form a sprayfor waxing, comprising the organic phase and aqueous phase. The spraywax concentrate is of the formulation as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The spray wax or spray wax concentrate comprises a surface-active agent,a fine polishing powder, mineral spirits, a dimethyl silicone fluidpolymer, an alkanolamide surface-active agent, a higheralkyl-substituted amine functional group substituted dimethyl siliconepolymer and water. The spray wax concentrate comprises between about2-10 wt. % of fine polishing powder, preferably about 4 wt. %. The finepolishing powder is ground to a powder which promotes good suspension inmost liquid systems and provides easy passage through venturi tubes.This powder is compatible with amine-functional group substitutedsilicones. The powder is inert, insoluble, and nonhydrosopic. Thispowder will not deteriorate in an aqueous or organic phase. In thecomposition, the powder performs several functions. The powder is finelyground and has an equivalent spherical diameter in microns, so that 100%of the fine polishing powder is less than 3 microns. The particle-sizedistribution, based on equivalent spherical diameter in microns, is suchthat 80% of the powder is less than 1.2 microns. 50% of the powder isless than 0.6 microns, and 20% is less than 0.3 microns. Thisdistribution can vary but it is preferred that all the powder be lessthan 4 microns in size, and at least 80% of the powder be less than 1.2microns in size. Aluminum silicate, aluminum oxide, silica, microcrystalsilica, talc and Cabosil brand silica can be used in the spray wax.Anhydrous aluminum silicate powder is preferred. Any anhydrous aluminumsilicate fine powder meeting the above criteria can be used in thepresent invention. Applicant has found that Kaopolite® SF anhydrousaluminum silicate is well-adapted for the present invention. Kaopolite®SF is supplied by Kaopolite Inc., 2444 Morris Avenue, Union City, N.J.07083.

The fine polishing powder performs a number of functions in thecomposition. The powder functions as a pigment giving the spray wax,when applied to a surface, before and after drying, a white haze orwhite sheen which is easy for the operator to see when wiping off orrubbing off the wax after its application and/or after it is dried. Thefine polishing powder also appears to enhance the amount of wax thatadheres to the surface. The anhydrous aluminum silicate also appears tospeed up the drying process, possibly by increasing the surface area ofthe applied spray wax. The sheeting off of water after application ofthe spray wax is an important advantage of the present spray wax. Thefine polishing powder is crucial for the organic phase to cover thesurface as a sheet or film. If the powder is omitted, the organic phaseclumps or beads. The fine polishing powder also appears to minimizewater spotting.

The sheeting off of the aqueous phase after application of the waxappears to enhance application of the spray wax to the surface. Theincreased surface area caused by the fine polishing powder increasessheeting of the water which allows the wax or organic phase to stick tothe surface before running off the side of the surface with the aqueousphase. The fine polishing powder also acts as a mild abrasive or polishto help smooth the surface that is being waxed and it aids in removingany water spotting that might occur while using the product, which willbe explained below.

It is believed that the wax in the organic phase first adheres to thesurface upon application of the spray wax, and then the fine polishingpowder adheres to the initial wax coating, and then additional wax inthe organic phase adheres to the fine polishing powder building up thewax layer. Once the powder adheres to the wax, it increases the surfacearea, which provides additional surface for the wax to adhere to. Sincea large quantity of water is used to transport and distribute a smallquantity of spray wax concentrate onto the surface, it is preferable tohave as much of the organic phase of the spray wax adhere to the surfacedirectly or to the fine polishing powder before it runs off the surfacewith the transporting water medium.

The spray wax can be applied in dry, cool, hot, rainy, foggy or evenfreezing weather. The viscosity of the spray wax is thinned by themineral spirits so that it can be drawn up through a venturi tube of aventuri tube type sprayer. It is believed that the mineral spirits alsospeed up the drying time of the spray wax after its application to thesurface. The mineral spirits thin the organic phase and allow it to bemore evenly distributed, both in the water spray stream and onto thesurface where the spray wax is applied. Water spots often result afterthe drying of the spray wax on the surface. The mineral spirits seem toaid in minimizing water spots and making the water spots easily removedby a single swipe of a dry towel. The omission of the mineral spiritsmakes the concentrate thick and prevents its use in a venturi-typesprayer.

Almost all water coming from a hose contains mineral values, typicallysalts of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium with a carbonate,sulfate, silicate, and/or phosphate cation. If straight water is sprayedon a car or windows, and the car or window is allowed to dry, waterspots will result. It is very difficult to remove such spots. Normally,the surface has to be washed again and/or a mild abrasive wax orpolishing compound has to be used to remove the spots.

When the spray wax of the present invention is applied to a black ordark color surface with a venturi-type sprayer, the surface can be leftto dry. Some water spots may appear but they are easily wiped off with atowel.

The spray wax composition also comprises from about 0.5 to about 3.0 wt.% of a dimethyl silicone fluid polymer having a nominal viscositybetween about 10 to about 60,000 c.s., preferably about 350 c.s.Preferably about 1.25 wt. % of the dimethyl silicone polymer is used.Dimethyl silicone fluid polymers are well known and supplied by manymanufacturers, such as Dow Corning, General Electric Corporation, UnionCarbide Corporation, and Rhodia. L-45 dimethyl silicone fluid having aviscosity of 350 c.s. manufactured by Witco Corporation, One AmericanLane, Greenwich, Conn. 06831, has been found satisfactory.

Dimethyl silicone fluid polymers are used primarily as mechanicallubricants or as lubricants for plastic and rubber parts. They areespecially effective in plastic or metal lubrication. They are also usedas release agents for molding rubber, glass, plastic parts, or for shelland core molds. The dimethyl silicone fluid polymers of the presentinvention impart easy rub-out to the applied spray wax to resistoxidation of the surface and thus provide protection to the surface fromoxidation and they give the waxed surface a deep gloss. The dimethylsilicone fluids are water insoluble and report to the organic phase andare soluble in the mineral spirits. The dimethyl silicone fluid polymeralso gives the surface a high-gloss finish, after the wipe-off orrub-off, and a waxed or smooth touch. The silicone fluid appears tominimize water spotting. The silicone fluid also aids in uniformdistribution of the organic phase of the spray wax to the surface afterapplication. Since the silicone fluid does not quickly evaporate off thesurface after application of the spray wax, it is believed that duringthe wiping-off, excess higher alkyl substituted amino functional groupsubstituted dimethyl silicone polymer, the alkanolaminde surface activeagent and any residual mineral spirits remain with the silicone fluidand are spread across the surface during the wiping. Thus, it appearsthat the silicone fluid aids in the even spreading of the organic phaseon the surface.

The composition also contains from about 0.5 to about 1.25 wt. % ofnonionic alkanolamide surface-active agent, preferably about 0.8 wt. %.It has been found that Witcamide® 511 surfactant, manufactured by WitcoCorporation, is particularly useful in the present invention. Witcamide®511 is an alkanolamide made by reacting an amine with a fatty acid,alkyl methyl ester or triglycerides in ratios which produce 1:1 or 2:1amides. Witcamide® is a fatty acid alkanolamide which is liquid at roomtemperature, has a free amine content of 6.0 wt. %, and a free fattyacid content of about 1.3%. It is a known invert emulsifier for polishesand waxes, as well as hydraulic fluids. In the present invention, thealkanolamide performs a number of functions. It aids in emulsifying theorganic phase and the aqueous phase during the application of the spraywax by a venturi-type sprayer. It permits the spray wax to be finely andevenly distributed into the water stream and spray from the sprayer sothat a uniform application of the spray wax is applied to the surface.The alkanolamide also appears to function as a detergent and cleans thesurface so that the wax, more correctly, the organic phase, will adhereto the surface. When no alkanolamide is utilized in the presentinvention, very little of the organic phase adheres to the surface andmost of the organic phase, and thus most of the wax, runs off with thewater from the surface. In addition, little, if any, haze is formed. Itis believed that its omission results in most of the wax draining offthe surface with the water leaving beads of aqueous phase containingsome of the organic phase. If too much fatty acid alkanolamide isutilized, a smudge forms on the surface after application of the waxspray that makes it more difficult to wipe off the wax. Surprisingly, inorder to apply the spray wax using a venturi-type sprayer, it has beenfound that the alkanolamide is absolutely essential to the composition.

The composition also comprises a higher alkyl-substituted aminofunctional group substituted dimethyl silicone polymer. This is deemedthe wax component of the spray wax. The dimethyl silicone fluid impartsa sheen to a surface in conjunction with the wax component. In the spraywax concentrate, about 0.5 to about 3.0 wt. % of the higheralkyl-substituted amino functional group substituted dimethyl siliconewax is employed in the composition, preferably about 1.25 wt. %. The waxis a substituted dimethyl silicone fluid where the silicone backbone hasbeen modified with higher alkyl organic substituents and aminofunctional groups. The waxes are also called amino functional dimethylsiloxanes polymers. By higher alkyl organic substituents, it is meantalkyl substituents having a molecular weight greater than methyl, suchas ethylene, ethyl, propylene, propyl, butyl, amyl, hexyl, heptyl,octyl, nonyl, decyl, and the like. In addition, the backbone may besubstituted with aromatic groups such as benzene, toluene, xylene, andthe like. Such substituents combine the unique attributes of thedimethyl silicone portion with those of the substituted substituent,primarily greater water resistance and more hydrocarbon and wax-likeproperties. Applicant has found that AFL-5, manufactured by WitcoCorporation, is a suitable substituted dimethyl silicone wax which canbe employed in the present invention. The material has been used inpolishes. The material has low surface energy, has good lubricity, lowsurface tension, a viscosity-shear relationship which is stable over awide range of temperatures, has excellent thermal stability and can beused over a wide temperature range without the formation of undesiredscum and deposits, and proved orientation of amino derivatives on thebackbone. The wax is resistant to detergents and the weather. It hasreactive amino functional groups. The amino functional chemical groupsadhere to the surface, whether it is a painted surface, metal surface,vinyl surface, plastic surface, rubber surface or the like. In addition,the wax has a high refractive index and gives a very high gloss. Lastly,the wax has an ultra-high molecular weight which gives superiordurability to the wax. The wax is employed in the composition for theabove reasons; it gives the waxed surface a high gloss; and it gives ita protective coat against weathering and washing with detergents orsoaps.

The balance of the spray wax concentrate is water which ranges from 88.3to about 63 wt. %. Any good quality water can be utilized. Hard water isto be avoided. Distilled water can be used. Deionized water can be used.The water is to be free of suspended matter, have a neutral pH or nearneutral pH (5.5 to 8.5 pH), and have a low to moderate hardness, i.e., ahardness of less than 50 ppm.

The above constituents can be added together in any order. Preferably,however, the constituents are formed into two pre-concentrates.Pre-concentrate A comprising anhydrous aluminum silicate powder andwater, and optionally a preservative, such as Dowicil 75. The secondpre-concentrate, pre-concentrate B, comprises the mineral spirits, thesurface-active agent, the dimethyl silicone fluid, the higheralkyl-substituted amino functional group substituted dimethyl siliconepolymer, and optionally a dye soluble in the mineral spirits andfragrances. The dye, fragrances and preservative are optional and arenot required for practice of the invention. After the pre-concentrates Aand B are prepared, they are mixed together to form the spray waxconcentrate which has good stability. The pre-concentrates A and B mustbe mechanically mixed at least thirty minutes and preferably for anhour. The mixture is conveniently made in large amounts, over 100gallons at a time, and constantly stirred while bottled which can takeup to six (6) hours. The mixing is crucial. Mixing 300 gallons ofconcentrate with a propeller mixer at 300 to 1,000 rpm for one (1) hourhas been found to be sufficient. The unbottled concentrate is stirred,however, during the filling operation until all 300 gallons have beenbottled. This normally takes five (5) to six (6) hours. Spray waxconcentrate that is insufficiently mixed does not spread evenly over asurface on which it is sprayed. Spray wax concentrate that is tooenergetically mixed, such as in a homogenizer, can form a thick mixturethat cannot be sprayed. After appropriate mixing, the concentrate willseparate into two phases over time. Accordingly before use, theconcentrate is shaken to form an emulsion which has stability forseveral minutes before separation becomes apparent. At present, we aremaking the spray wax concentrate in 3,000 gallon batches with constantstirring during bottling (5 to 6 hours to bottle).

One of the most critical steps in formulating, i.e., forming, the waxspray concentrate, is the mixing of the components. The reason for thisis not definitely known. However, it is believed that mixing furtherreduces the particle size, and possibly smoothes the particle surfaces,of the fine polishing powder and permits the organic and surface activeingredients to be absorbed and adsorbed in the particles and on theparticle surface.

If the mixing agitation of the components is not energetic enough and/orlong enough, the phase separates and sheeting of the aqueous phase isfar less pronounced upon application if the spray wax concentrate is anaqueous spray.

Preferably, the mixture is stored or mixed for at least one-half (1/2)hour, preferably at least one (1) hour, with a propeller mixer at 300 to1200 rpm. The spray wax concentrate is made in bulk and preferably isstirred or mixed continuously until the bulk mixture is bottled. Thespray wax concentrates of the first bottles are mixed for one-half (1/2)to one (1) hour, and the unbottled spray wax concentrate is mixedcontinually for five (5) to six (6) hours until all is bottled. Thedifference in performance, i.e., phase separation and aqueous phasesheeting, between the first bottles and last bottles is relatively smallif the spray wax concentrate is adequately stirred at the beginning.

If the spray wax concentrate mixture is mixed too energetically, thespray wax concentrate forms into a thick composition that cannot beapplied with a venturi-type sprayer. For example, if the spray waxmixture is mixed in a homogenizer at 10,000 rpm, the resulting spray waxconcentrate mixture can be so thick that it cannot be drawn up the strawin a venturi sprayer.

The spray wax is preferably applied as an aqueous spray prepared fromthe spray wax concentrate and water. The spray wax concentrate is highlydiluted in the water. About 20 to about 200 parts by volume water areused for each part by volume of spray wax concentrate. This highlydilutes the organic phase. About nine (9) fluid ounces of spray waxconcentrate are required to wax a full-size car. Assuming a ratio of 1part concentrate to 60 parts water, the concentrations of the organicconstituents in the aqueous spray are approximately as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Constituent       Wt. %                                                       ______________________________________                                        Polishing Powder  0.03 to 0.16                                                Mineral Spirits   0.16 to 0.66                                                Silicone Fluid    0.008 to 0.05                                               Surface-active agent                                                                            0.008 to 0.021                                              Dimethyl Silicone Polymer                                                                       0.016 to 0.03                                               ______________________________________                                    

Spray wax is preferably applied using a venturi-type sprayer powered bythe water from a garden hose. Normally, water pressure from 30 to 100lbs. psi is sufficient to power the sprayer. The sprayer has a reservoirthat will hold at least a halfpint of the concentrate. The water volumethrough the sprayer is preferably adjusted from 3 to 5 gallons perminute with a draw through the venturi so that the applicator spray fromthe venturi-type sprayer has a ratio of about 20 to 200 parts per waterper 1 part spray wax by volume, preferably 45 to 60 parts water per 1part spray wax concentrate by volume. The venturi-type sprayer is one ofthe oldest sprayer devices known and uses the Bernoulli principle fordrawing up the spray wax from the sprayer reservoir into the waterstream. The venturi sprayer can be an open system or a closed system. Inthe closed system, the water stream goes through a constriction whichhas the opening for the venturi straw under the reservoir. In an opensystem, a water spray exits a nozzle and the stream of water spraybefore it expands too greatly passes over the venturi hole for theventuri straw and draws up the spray wax. In both systems, the water hasa high velocity and is highly agitated so that the spray wax drawn intothe stream is immediately and rapidly broken up and evenly distributedthroughout the water stream for application to the surface.

Preferably, the surface to be waxed is first cleaned. The surface can beleft wet. The surface can also be prewetted with water. This wets thedirt and dust on the surface for a more effective cleaning of thesurface by the spray wax. However, cleaning and/or prewetting is notrequired.

The spray wax is quickly applied to the surface. For a typicalautomobile surface, using 9 ounces of spray wax, the surface is quicklysprayed with the wax in 1 to 3 minutes. This has been found to be anoptimum time to apply sufficient wax to provide a good wax applicationto surface of the vehicle. Shorter times can be used but it is veryinconvenient for the operator to move around the entire vehicle surfaceto get an even application of wax in less than 45 seconds. Longer timescan also be utilized but without advantage. It has been found that mostvehicles can be quickly and evenly sprayed with the aqueous spray in oneminute. It has also been found that all automobiles, including utilityvans and trucks, can be waxed using 9 ounces of the spray waxconcentrate. Naturally, large commercial trucks, often referred to aseighteen-wheelers, which include ten-wheelers and fourteen-wheelers,buses, and large motor homes, will require more than 9 ounces of spraywax concentrate. Airplanes and boats may require more or lessconcentrate, depending upon the size of the airplane or boat.

Preferably, the surface to be waxed is warm, if not hot. Preferably thesurface is in the sun, utilizing the heat of the sun. The spray of waterand spray wax will cool off the surface to some extent from theapplication of the cold water from the hose. However, when the surfaceis waxed in 3 minutes or less, the cooling is de minimis and the surfaceretains enough heat to help dry off the applied spray wax. When thespray wax is applied with the venturi-type sprayer, especially on thedark surfaces, a whitish haze immediately appears on the surface whilethe water sheets off the surface, whether it is a vertical surface or ahorizontal surface. With the air temperature above 60° F., and thesurface at least as warm and exposed to the sun, the applied spray waxwill dry or at least partially dry within two minutes. Although thesurface can be wiped off when it is fully dry, normally the surface isrubbed off when it is partially dry, using dry, soft towels. For atypical automobile surface, three or four towels measuring 24 inches×18inches normally suffice to wipe down the entire car to dry the surface,leaving a high gloss sheen. The spray wax not only waxes the cars; italso cleans the car. It will remove most grime and dust from the vehiclesurface. If the surface is particularly dirty because it has beenexposed to mud and the like, most of the mud and heavy debris should befirst washed off prior to applying the wax.

As mentioned earlier, the spray wax can also be applied by theold-fashioned bucket method. However, application with a venturi-typesprayer is preferred and is much easier and quicker The bucket is filledwith a gallon to a half-gallon of water and 9 ounces of spray waxconcentrate is added to the bucket. This mixture is stirred and a towelor other applicator is wetted with the fluid and applied directly to thesurface. With each fresh application of composition from the bucket, thecomposition must be agitated to form an emulsion of the organic phaseand aqueous phase. After application of the bucket composition to thesurface, the surface is allowed to dry in the same manner as when thespray wax is applied with a venturi-type sprayer.

When the surface has oily deposits or tar-like deposits, the concentratecan be applied directly to such deposits prior to waxing to remove thedeposits. As explained above, the mineral spirits appear to wet andsoften the tar-like deposits and the oily deposits, permitting theaqueous phase with the emulsifier to break the adhesion of the oildeposits and tar-like deposits from the surfaces.

Not only can the spray wax be applied to painted surfaces, it can alsobe applied directly to metal surfaces, glass surfaces, and plasticsurfaces.

EXAMPLE NO. 1

The following 13 formulations were prepared utilizing Kaopolite® 1168brand aluminum silicate powder or Kaopolite® SF aluminum silicatepowder, mineral spirits having a boiling point range between 200° F. and250° F., dimethyl fluid silicone polymer having viscosity of 350 c.s.,Witcamide® 511, alkanolamide, surfactant, polymer AFL-5, higher alkylamino functional group substituted dimethyl silicone fluids, and water.

                                      TABLE 1                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Formulation No.                                                                        1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10 11 12 13 14                            __________________________________________________________________________    Water    62 68 70 71.5                                                                             92.5                                                                             69 70 70 72.25                                                                            64 52 64 68.95                                                                            68.6                          Kaopolite ® SF                                                                     10 5  3  3.5                                                                              1.0            11 12 7  4  4                             Kaopolite ® 1168    3  5  3                                               Mineral Spirits                                                                        24 24 24 24    23 20 22 22.65                                                                            20 40 23 24 24                            Silicone 350 c.s.                                                                      1.25                                                                             1.25                                                                             1.25                                                                             1.25  1.6                                                                              1.7                                                                              1  1.25                                                                             1.25                                                                             1.25                                                                             1.25                                                                             1.25                                                                             1.25                          Silicone ALE-75      1.0                                                      Silicone 10,000 c.s.       1.3                                                Witcamide ® 511                                                                    1.00                                                                             .75                                                                              .75                                                                              .75   2.0                                                                              1.0                                                                              1  1.00                                                                             1.00                                                                             1.00                                                                             1.00                                                                             .75                                                                              .8                            Polymer AFL-5                                                                          1.75                                                                             1.00                                                                             1.00                                                                             1.00           2.85                                                                             2.75                                                                             3.75                                                                             3.75                                                                             1.00                                                                             1.3                           Polymer ALE-75          1.0                                                                              1.0                                                                              3                                               Laponite RD          1.5                                                      Isopropanol          6.0                                                      __________________________________________________________________________

The formulas were prepared chronologically and tested. The bestperformer is Formula 14 and is preferred. However, Formula 13 works verywell. The spray wax concentrate is prepared by mixing the water with theanhydrous aluminum silicate powder to form a part A formulation. Thebalance of the ingredients are mixed to form a part B formulation. Thepart A and part B formulations are then mixed together to form the spraywax formulation. The concentrate emulsion will separate into an organicphase and aqueous phase with time. The concentrate must be shaken ormixed prior to use to re-form the emulsion.

Each of the above formulas was tested by spraying an automobile in thehot sun with a venturi sprayer containing 9 ounces of the concentrate.The spray was delivered at a rate of 3-5 gallons per minute. Onlyformulations 10-13 gave satisfactory results. Formulas 12 and 13 werethe best. They produced a high luster wax finish on unwashed automobilesand were easy to wipe off after the wax spray had partially dried on thevehicle after about two minutes. It takes about five minutes wipe thecar dry.

We claim:
 1. A method of waxing a surface comprising the steps of wetting the surface with water; forming an aqueous spray from a spray wax concentrate for waxing a surface comprising drawing by venturi action a spray wax concentrate comprising by weight percent (wt. %) for about 2 to 10 wt. % of a fine polishing powder; for about 10 to about 40 wt. % of mineral spirits; from about 0.5 to about 3 wt. % of dimethyl silicone fluid polymer; from about 0.5 to about 1.25 wt. % of an alkanolamide surface-active agent; from about 1 to about 1.75 wt. % of a higher alkyl amino functional group substituted dimethyl silicone polymer; and the balance water to obtain a total of about 100 wt. % into a turbulent high velocity water stream in a ratio of about 1 part by volume spray wax concentrate to about 40 to about 200 parts by volume to effectively and energetically mix the spray wax concentrate in the stream of water to form the aqueous spray; forming a hazy spray wax film on a surface by spraying the surface with the aqueous spray; permitting the applied aqueous spray to remain on the surface for at least one minute before wiping; wiping the hazy spray wax film on the surface to spread it over the surface; and wiping the hazy spray wax film off the surface to leave a waxed surface. 